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Spies Hecker® is pleased to announce the introduction of Permasolid® Low VOC Clear Coat 8096, a high gloss, low VOC finish from the Spies Hecker® “2K-Acryl-System.” Developed using the most advanced technology; this easy-to-apply clear coat is designed to deliver excellent results over solventborne and waterborne base coats.

Permasolid® Low VOC Clear Coat 8096 gives body shops complete control. It provides exceptional coverage in only 1½ coats, enabling refinish technicians to apply the clear coat continuously without having to flash between coats, yet it is versatile enough to allow a 2-coat process to be used if desired.

This fast, reliable clear coat also helps ensure customer satisfaction.  Its excellent vertical stability improves results in the spray booth; its high gloss gives vehicles an outstanding finish and long-lasting durability.

“With Permasolid® Low VOC Clear Coat 8096, shops now have a 2.1 clear that is fast, quick to harden, reliable and delivers superior results,” said Debbie Curry, product manager – North America.  “Whether sprayed in a 1½ -coat process or in a 2-coat process, over a solventborne or waterborne base coat, refinish technicians can achieve excellent results.”

For more information about Permasolid® Low VOC Clear Coat 8096, visit SpiesHeckerUSA.com or call 1-888-371-3313.

California based Rare Parts Inc. is happy to announce the expansion of it’s U.S. manufacturing facility with the purchase of a new OMAX 5555 water jet cutting machine.

This precision machine is perfect for complex designs, which expands cutting capabilities, lower costs, and means better quality products for you.

Rare Parts President Danny Burgess said, “What better way to celebrate 30 years than to buy a new toy. Plus, it’s made in America.”

In addition to the water jet cutting machine, Rare Parts is constantly expanding our in-house manufacturing facility. Rare Parts manufactures steering and suspension parts for any make, model or year vehicle. Do it right the first time with Rare Parts.

For more information please call 800-621-2005  or visit www.rareparts.com.

Standox® is pleased to announce the introduction of Standocryl® Clear PFC 20, a 2.1 clear to meet the most stringent VOC regulations. Specifically designed to deliver a superior appearance over Standox® solventborne and waterborne basecoats, Standocryl® Clear PFC 20 is ideal for all types of jobs—from spot repairs to multi-panel repairs.

Using a continuous 1.5 application process, Standocryl® Clear PFC 20 delivers excellent gloss and finish, enabling refinishers to apply the clear without the need to flash between coats. If desired, it is also versatile enough to allow refinishers to use a 2-coat application process. 

Standocryl® Clear PFC 20 is fast drying and hardening, which not only saves energy, it enables refinishers to sand and polish after a 20-minute bake and cool down, further increasing productivity.

“Collision Centers looking for a clear that meets the most stringent VOC regulations will discover that the new Standocryl® Clear PFC 20 not only helps them meet environmental regulations, it also increases productivity and helps ensure customer satisfaction,” said Keith Sena, brand manager. “That’s because this easy-to-apply, fast drying clear delivers excellent gloss and finish on all types of jobs.”

For more information about Standocryl® Clear PFC 20, visit standoxna.com or call 1-800-551-9296.

Two fraud investigators with the state Department of Insurance were shot and killed June 7 while trying to get information from an agent. Rhett Jeansonne, an investigator since 2006, and Kim Sledge, an 11-year employee of the insurance department, were shot and killed by insurance agent John Melvin Lavergne, who in the past had been cited for fraud and ordered to stop operations, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon confirmed in an emotional news conference. The insurance agent had previously faced criminal charges and civil sanctions, according to police and the insurance office.

"My deepest sympathies go out to the loved ones of our two departed colleagues, in particular, the surviving spouses and children of these brave individuals," Donelon said in a statement.

Police in Ville Platte, about 50 miles north of Lafayette, got a call of shots fired at Lavergne Insurance about 1 p.m., said Trooper Stephen Hammons, spokesman for Louisiana State Police.

The San Diego chapter of the California Autobody Association (CAA) held their 17th annual golf tournament on June 4 at the Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos.

The event had a large turnout with 94 players, the best the chapter has seen in years, according to chapter President Hop Sanchez.

“This was our best CAA San Diego Chapter turnout with 94 players. We also want to extend a special thanks to Dee and Joe at check-in and Dee selling raffle tickets from Enterprise,” said Sanchez.

A joint committee hearing was held by the Consumer Affairs and Transportation committees of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on "Right to Repair" on June 6. Testifying at the Philadelphia, PA, hearing were three panels of witnesses, including automobile maintenance and repair shop owners who expressed concern with so-called "Right to Repair" legislation that has been introduced previously in the U.S. Congress and several states. Neither the Congress nor any state has ever passed "Right to Repair" legislation.

John Francis III of Francis Automotive in West Chester, Pa., testified for the Automotive Service Association (ASA) emphasizing that automotive service information is already available to independent repairers and consumers. "At Francis Automotive, we use several third-party service information providers - ALLDATA, Identifix and an online service that includes technicians from all over the world, iATN - on a daily basis. As needed, our technicians will use automotive manufacturer websites. We have several aftermarket scan tools that we use and two auto manufacturer scan tools. Tools to perform reflashing are available for all makes of vehicles. It's a business decision regarding which tools to purchase. We have made a business choice not to purchase equipment to reflash BMWs and Mercedes. It is not because the tools and information are not available--they are available. But for our business model, we have chosen not to purchase this equipment."

Two auto repair facilities in New York were recognized by the Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) as one of the group's GreenLink Shops for the month of May on June 1.

The GreenLink Shop status is an extension of CCAR’s CCAR-GreenLink Environmental Compliance Assistance Center and S/P2 Safety and Pollution Prevention E-learning Program--designed to promote consumer confidence in local automotive repair facilities’ environmental/safety awareness and stewardship.

The new GreenLink Shops are; Tedesco Auto Body, New Rochelle, NY and Wayside Auto Body, Jamaica, NY.

“CCAR is proud to recognize these newest members of the GreenLink Shop program and their commitment to best practices in environmental and safety processes,” said Daren Fristoe, CCAR president and chief operating officer.

CCAR requires that repair facilities seeking the GreenLink Shop recognition must maintain high standards of excellence in environmental, health and safety (EHS) practices in four categories including; business operations, employee training, safety compliance and environmental management.

For more information please visit www.ccar-greenlink.org.

Auto Body World Collision Centers, based in Phoenix with several shops in the south-central past of the state, will add its eighth location, the company announced May 31.

The new 34,000-square-foot shop, located on W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ, will open in June. Auto Body World Collision Centers was founded in 1962 and is Arizona's largest independently owned multi-shop operator, with shops throughout the Phoenix and Casa Grande markets.

“This addition is an important step in Auto Body World’s overall growth strategy, which includes deeper expansion into Arizona,” said Mark Turner, Auto Body World’s president, "This is a great opportunity for us, and we look forward to many more like it."

“This new location compliments our footprint very nicely because it allows us to serve consumers and our insurance partners along the 1-10 corridor in the east valley,” said Auto Body World CEO, David Fait. The new location will bridge the gap between the company's south Gilbert location and their Casa Grande location.

Auto Body World Collision Centers is continuing to seek out well-run companies throughout Arizona for acquisition. Interested owners should contact Auto Body World President Mark Turner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on the company please visit autobodyworld.com.

The Glass Doctor® of North Central Louisiana franchise owned by Kane Banks is now open and ready to “fix your panes!”

Glass Doctor of North Central Louisiana offers mobile residential, automotive and commercial glass services to Lincoln and Ouachita Parishes. The showroom and shop are open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, 8 am to noon Saturdays and a 24-hour emergency service is available.

“We’re pleased to be a part of Glass Doctor,” Banks said. “We’re here for Ruston, Monroe and the surrounding area’s glass needs, including everything from windshield replacements to storefronts to custom glass shower enclosures.”

Upon purchasing the franchise, Banks attended the most in-depth training in the glass services industry, a 10-day training course on the latest glass repair technology, customer service techniques and marketing methods held at the Glass Doctor University Training Center in Waco, Texas.

The Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) conducted their 5th annual labor rates surveys for body shops in the metro Atlanta area earlier this year.

CSi complete conducted the surveys, which were available online, over the phone and in a mail-in format in March and April of 2011. Turnout slightly decreased from the 2010 survey results in which 291 shops participated.

"With over 500 shops in the Metro Atlanta area, to only have 230 respond is disappointing," said GCIA President Howard Batchelor, "Shops need to realize that this survey is intended to help establish a fair market rate in the marketplace."

Businesses were asked to submit their posted door rates for body labor, paint labor, frame labor, mechanical labor, paint and materials rate and storage rate.